SINGAPORE, Aug. 3 -- A faulty dry rising main hindered firefighting efforts during a deadly blaze at Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4 on July 31, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on August 2.

The Straits Times reported the malfunction caused a significant drop in water pressure, preventing water from being properly channelled to the eighth floor, where firefighters were battling a fire that left the unit's occupant unconscious; the victim later died in hospital. Two firefighters also suffered burn injuries.

SCDF said its crew switched to a contingency method - running hoses directly from the fire engine up the staircase - a procedure they regularly train for. About 40 residents were evacuated as a precaution.

A preliminary asse...